Where We Keep the Light Summary

Chapter I: A Night Guarded by G-d

Overview

What begins as a cherished family tradition—a joyful, crowded Passover Seder at the Governor’s Residence—is violently shattered by an arson attack in the dead of night. The event breaks Governor Josh Shapiro’s sense of security, forcing him to confront the reality that someone, fueled by hatred and delusion, tried to kill his family on a holiday celebrating freedom. In the immediate aftermath, he must navigate the dual roles of victim and leader, telling his children the awful truth while publicly vowing that political violence will not deter him or anyone from practicing their faith openly.

His response forms a powerful duality: public defiance and private recourse to faith, family, and ritual. Holding a second Seder the very next night becomes an act of resilience. This private strength is mirrored by profound public moments of connection, such as when a Christian fire chaplain unknowingly hands him the exact Hebrew blessing he recites over his own children, revealing a shared humanity that transcends division.

From this trauma, a clear political and personal framework emerges. The core theme of "real freedom"—which began as a kitchen-table idea with his wife, Lori—is tested and refined. It evolves from a campaign message into a governing philosophy, framed by his faith and his unique friendship with Pastor Marshall Mitchell. The pastor’s guidance to practice "fishing differently" becomes a mandate: to innovate in method while holding fast to conviction, and to view public service as a sacred act of moving toward people in need.

Ultimately, the chapter argues that the antidote to the fear and division that fueled the attack is already active in everyday communities. By highlighting neighbors helping neighbors without asking about politics, it concludes that the role of leadership is to meet people where they are, listen, and use government to support and amplify that inherent, local goodness. This service-oriented practice, rooted in faith and family, is the resilient path forward he discovers in the wake of the fire.

A Cherished Tradition

The chapter opens with Governor Josh Shapiro reflecting on the jarring normalcy of the week leading up to the traumatic event. His large, extended family had gathered at the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg to celebrate Passover, a holiday of profound significance that mixes remembrance of suffering with celebration of freedom. For the Shapiro family, hosting large community Seders had become a point of pride and an act of visible faith, especially in a time of rising antisemitism. The residence, once feeling formal and imposing, had been transformed into a chaotic, joyful home filled with family, friends, dogs, and footballs in the backyard.

In the days before the Seder, they visited the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, where a poignant connection to their immigrant ancestry struck a deep chord. The first night of the Seder itself unfolded as a beautiful, familiar ritual. With about 75 guests, they recited prayers, sang songs, and told the ancient story of Exodus from the Haggadah. The evening ended with a warm, contented feeling as family members lingered by the fireplace, the children playing, the governor marveling at the full life unfolding within the official walls.

A Sudden Emergency

The peaceful night shattered around 12:30 a.m. with urgent banging on the governor’s bedroom door and shouts of “Fire!” from a state trooper. Shapiro and his wife, Lori, quickly roused their children and other family members sleeping over. The evacuation was purposeful but not panicked; there were no visible flames or immediate smoke. They gathered outside in the cold, misty air, counting heads and piling into Suburbans as emergency vehicles arrived.

Initially assuming a kitchen accident or a candle mishap, Shapiro believed they would soon return to bed. This assumption shifted as he saw smoke begin to billow from the residence. The head of his security detail planned to relocate the family to the Capitol to wait it out.

An Unsettling Discovery

The situation’s gravity became starkly clear when the Harrisburg Fire Chief led Shapiro back inside. The Grand Hall was devastated: smoke-filled, with broken windows, water on the floors, and artwork melted into the walls. The Seder plates and his personal Haggadah were charred ruins. Seeing the intact candle table, he realized a candle could not have been the source. When he asked the chief what happened, the terse reply—“You’ll be briefed on that in a few minutes”—signaled this was no accident.

Two thoughts anchored him in the chaos: the Haggadah’s use of present tense, making ancient suffering feel immediate, and the Torah’s description of the Seder night as Leil shimurim—"a night guarded by G-d." Harm had tried to enter, but they were all safe.

The Awful Truth and a Long Drive Home

After dropping his daughter and her friends at a hotel, Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens of the state police confirmed to Shapiro that the fire was a deliberate act of arson. Riding home to Abington with his teenage son Max, Shapiro kept his composure but his mind raced with fear and unanswered questions. Was the attack antisemitic? Politically motivated? Was his family still in danger? He received a stream of texts, absorbing the reality that someone had tried to hurt them. He desperately wanted to process everything with Lori, but she was in another vehicle.

Facing the Day and Their Children

After a brief, uneasy sleep, Shapiro and Lori knew they had to tell their children the truth before it became public news. They gathered their sons and called their other children, emphasizing their safety and the police’s protection. Their son Reuben asked directly if someone tried to kill them because they are Jewish. They answered honestly that they didn’t know yet, but reaffirmed their faith in the authorities.

Determined to show resilience, Shapiro returned to the ravaged residence. He wanted to see the damage in daylight, be near the investigation, and most importantly, demonstrate that he would not be deterred or scared. He directed his team to document the wreckage thoroughly and invite the press to see it, aiming to preempt conspiracy theories.

An Outpouring and an Unexpected Call

The public response was immediate and overwhelming, with calls from former presidents, world leaders, and countless friends. A week later, former President Donald Trump called. After missing the call, Shapiro returned it, and Trump offered assurances, discussed his own political and economic achievements, and advised Shapiro against ever seeking the presidency due to the dangers. He extended an open invitation to call him anytime.

The Investigation Commences

Back at the Governor’s Residence the next morning, state police walked Shapiro through the suspect’s movements on the property. In the Charter Room, which had been converted into a command center with the FBI and local authorities, they began reviewing surveillance footage, launching the formal hunt for the perpetrator.

Confronting the Aftermath and Finding Light

Sitting with law enforcement, reviewing the harrowing footage of the arsonist, Cody Balmer, moving through the home, the Governor is struck by the surreal duality of his position. He is both the victim and the person in charge. The details of the attack are laid bare: Balmer’s troubled history, his Molotov cocktails made from beer bottles and lawnmower gasoline, his frenzied attempt to breach the family's quarters, and his stated hatred fueled by delusions about "plans" for Palestinians. The miraculous fact that a closed door contained the fire, saving lives, underscores the fragility of the moment. This violent act shatters the "bubble" of security he felt despite knowing he was a target due to his public role, his faith, and his political stands. The realization that someone wanted to kill him and his family, especially on a holiday celebrating freedom, breaks an illusion.

A Public Response and Private Faith

At a press conference steps from the scorched dining room, emotion overwhelms him as he thanks law enforcement and the public. He makes three clear declarations: political violence is unacceptable and must stop; the attack will only make him work harder for Pennsylvania; and no one will deter his family or any citizen from practicing their faith openly and proudly. That same night, the family holds their second Passover Seder at a relative's home. They recite Birkat Hagomel, a prayer of gratitude for survival, and retell the story of liberation, actively choosing tradition and togetherness as an anchor.

Gratitude in Action

The children’s desire to thank the firefighters leads to a lunch at the fire station, organized with the help of Chef Robert Irvine. There, a profound moment occurs when a volunteer fire department chaplain, John Wardle Sr., hands the Governor a handwritten note containing the Priestly Blessing from Numbers 6:24-26. This is the exact Hebrew blessing the Governor recites over his own children each night. The coincidence—transcending differences in faith, generation, and politics—moves him deeply, reinforcing a core belief: shared humanity and common values are always present if we choose to see them.

Seeking Center in Community

In the following weeks, while the Residence is rebuilt and family life is intentionally fortified, the Governor seeks solace at Salem Baptist Church, invited by his friend Pastor Marshall Mitchell. Their unique bond, often described as a spiritual kinship between a Black Baptist pastor and a Jewish governor, is highlighted. They engage in regular Bible study, wrestling with scripture to navigate modern problems. This relationship exemplifies where the Governor draws spiritual wisdom—from his wife, Lori, who weaves faith into their family's daily fabric, and from Pastor Mitchell, with whom he finds parallel paths of service and belief.

The Origins of a Message

A flashback reveals the personal genesis of a key campaign theme. During the grueling 2022 gubernatorial primary, a rare quiet morning with Lori is quickly consumed by her passionate critique of political hypocrisy. As she lists actions that are "not freedom," he secretly jottles down her words. Recognizing her exceptional emotional insight and her pulse on public sentiment, he takes these scribbled phrases on the road. They eventually form the bedrock of a pivotal speech at the Erie Democratic dinner, just days before John Fetterman’s stroke, demonstrating how personal conviction and partnership shape public message.

Key Takeaways

• The arson attack was a deliberate act of political and religious hatred that fundamentally broke the Governor's sense of physical security.
• The response was a dual commitment: public defiance against violence and intimidation, and private recourse to faith, family, and ritual as sources of resilience.
• Profound moments of human connection, like receiving the familiar Hebrew blessing from a Christian chaplain, underscored a universal shared humanity beyond partisan or religious divides.
• The Governor's spiritual strength is drawn from deep, interfaith relationships and partnerships, particularly with his wife and Pastor Mitchell, which provide guidance and perspective.
• Personal convictions, often sharpened by loved ones, directly inform and shape public leadership and messaging.

A New Political Framework Emerges

The "freedom" theme, sparked by Lori and refined through conversations with trusted advisor Dana Fritz, was put to the ultimate test during a major rally in North Philadelphia just days before the general election. Standing alongside Presidents Biden and Obama, the author contrasted his opponent’s restrictive vision with an affirmative one rooted in service. He articulated "real freedom" as the tangible outcome of societal investment—in public schools, safe neighborhoods, union apprenticeships, and the right to live and love authentically. This speech was the culmination of a idea that had grown from a kitchen-table conversation into a core campaign philosophy.

Pastoral Guidance and "Fishing Differently"

Seeking to ground this political message in his faith, the author turned to his pastor, Marshall Mitchell. Mitchell directed him to the Book of James, specifically the verse defining pure religion as caring for orphans and widows. This framed public service as a sacred act of moving toward people in need. Later, after the arson attack on his home, the author found himself back in Mitchell’s church, where the pastor delivered a sermon on "fishing differently" from the Gospel of John. The message was clear: to achieve different results, one must be willing to cast the net on the other side of the boat—to innovate while holding fast to core principles. Mitchell looked directly at the author and urged him to "keep fishing differently."

Governing with Conviction in a Fractured Time

This concept of "fishing differently" became a lens for the author’s entire approach to politics and service. He reflects on rejecting conventional political paths in favor of impactful, grounded work that allowed him to remain a present father and husband. He analyzes the rise of grievance-based politics and figures like Donald Trump as a symptom of a broken social contract, where people feel unheard and prospects have dimmed. While he legally challenged the Trump administration numerous times as Attorney General, he did so based on legal merit, not partisan opposition. His philosophy is to show up and work for everyone, including those who support his opponents, believing that effective resistance requires offering a better, workable alternative.

The Antidote Is Community

The chapter concludes by highlighting that the solution to national fear and division is already active in communities nationwide. Through stories his wife Lori shares—like the brothers running a coat drive, the widower teaching art therapy, or the founder of a mothers’ milk bank—the author observes a powerful truth: neighbors help neighbors without asking about political affiliation. This selfless, local work is the real antidote. The author’s role, as he sees it, is to meet people where they are, listen with empathy, and use the tools of government to connect dots and amplify this inherent goodness. This practical, service-oriented politics is the lesson he learned decades ago knocking on thousands of doors, and it remains his guiding principle.

Key Takeaways

• Affirmative Vision: Effective politics requires being for a hopeful, concrete alternative (like "real freedom"), not just against an opponent.
• Service as Faith: The author’s faith calls him to move toward people in need, framing public service and community investment as a form of "real religion."
• Innovate from Principle: "Fishing differently" means having the courage to change methods and reject conventional wisdom while staying rooted in core convictions.
• Govern for All: Leadership means showing up and working diligently for every constituent, regardless of how they voted, focusing on practical solutions over partisan conflict.
• Community as Antidote: The real work of healing division happens at the local level through selfless acts of service, which politics should seek to support and amplify.

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Where We Keep the Light Summary

Chapter II: 18,000 Doors

Overview

From the moment he launched a national letter-writing campaign as a child to free his persecuted pen pal, Josh Shapiro’s life has been defined by a powerful sense of purpose and service, a value instilled by his family. His vibrant childhood, however, held a private reality of navigating his mother’s unaddressed trauma, which forged in him a deep empathy and a drive to create stability. Finding that anchor in his future wife, Lori, and a transformative semester in Israel where faith became tangible, he built the foundation for the person he wanted to be.

His early path was not straightforward. A humiliating high school election loss and a disastrous first semester of college, where doors to premed and basketball slammed shut, led to an unexpected pivotal redirection into student government. Winning a small dorm race unlocked a passion for politics and problem-solving, culminating in a historic freshman presidency and a formative internship with Senator Carl Levin that taught him the critical lesson of thorough preparation. Reconnecting with Lori, they quickly built a life together, marked by comically imperfect proposals, a rain-soaked wedding, and the profound redefinition of love with the birth of their daughter.

Feeling disconnected from corporate law and drawn to service, he leveraged his community ties to run for the Pennsylvania State House in a heavily Republican district. Told he couldn’t win, he embraced grassroots outreach, knocking on eighteen thousand doors and simply listening to voters. This strategy, fueled by relentless work, led to a stunning victory. In Harrisburg, he learned to navigate legislative life but grew frustrated by process, ultimately engineering a bold bipartisan gambit to elect a Republican as Speaker to save the Democratic agenda—a masterclass in political maneuvering.

Seeking more direct, executive action, he shattered a 150-year Republican streak to become a Montgomery County Commissioner. There, he cleaned house by assembling a strong team, mastering budgets, and working hands-on, even riding with snowplow crews. His most crucial lesson came from forging an unlikely alliance with Republican Commissioner Bruce Castor, proving that bipartisan cooperation could deliver real progress, despite blowback from his own party. When opportunities for Congress or the Senate arose, he consistently chose purpose over prestige, realizing his ambition lay in the action-oriented role of Pennsylvania Attorney General.

The 2016 primary for Attorney General was a bruising fight against an established prosecutor. Shapiro’s vision to transform the office into a proactive crusader for people’s rights prevailed, crucially boosted by a last-minute endorsement from President Barack Obama, a testament to a foundational political relationship built on years of loyalty. In the general election, as Donald Trump’s tide rose, Shapiro defied the trend by listening and showing up in forgotten communities, becoming the top vote-getter in the state by focusing on people’s stories over politics.

Days into his new role, the Trump administration’s “Muslim ban” triggered a national crisis. While maintaining family normalcy, he helped organize a multi-state legal challenge, but later made a principled decision not to sue over a revised order, adhering to a creed of challenging illegality, not just political opposition. This set the tone for his tenure: measuring success by legal verdicts and, more importantly, by earning trust across partisan lines through consistent action, listening, and a commitment to serve every constituent equally.

A Childhood of Purpose and Contradiction

The author begins a letter-writing campaign as an elementary school student, prompted by his mother’s activism in the Soviet Jewry movement. His pen pal is Avi Goldstein, a Jewish boy in Tbilisi facing severe persecution, including violent antisemitic attacks at school. The author’s initial, one-sided letters evolve into a national advocacy effort called "Children for Avi," which leads to lobbying trips to Washington, D.C., and meetings with senators like Arlen Specter and Joe Biden. The campaign culminates successfully when Senator Ted Kennedy intervenes, securing the Goldstein family’s emigration to Israel. Avi stands beside the author at his Bar Mitzvah, a powerful, public culmination of their efforts that gives the author his first taste of public speaking and the tangible impact of sustained advocacy.

This early experience is framed by a vibrant, community-oriented childhood in suburban Philadelphia. The author describes a close-knit family life centered around sports, his siblings, and Jewish rituals. He portrays his father, a beloved pediatrician, as a model of calm, listening leadership—a template for service. His mother is depicted as a driven activist and teacher who instilled in him a powerful sense of purpose and the discipline of long-term advocacy. However, the narrative reveals a stark contrast beneath this stable surface.

Finding Stability and a New Path

The author discloses a private family reality shaped by his mother’s unaddressed mental health struggles, rooted in her own traumatic childhood. He describes a home environment where he and his siblings learned to anticipate and manage chaos, fostering a deep desire for control and an acute sensitivity to the struggles of others. This background fundamentally shaped his character, driving his need to solve problems, his empathy for the underdog, and his determination to build a calm, stable family life of his own.

This new path became tangible when he met Lori in high school. Her home represented a haven of peaceful conflict resolution and unconditional support, a model of communication he had never experienced. Their friendship, which blossomed into love, and their transformative semester together in Israel during junior year, provided the blueprint for the person and partner he aspired to be, offering an escape from old patterns and the foundation for his future.

Experiencing Faith in Israel

The narrator describes how being in Israel transformed their relationship with faith from something abstract and structured into a tangible, living presence. It was in the everyday life—the vibrant energy of Ben-Yehuda Street after Shabbat, the shared connections with fellow Jews from across the diaspora—that faith felt real. This culminated in a powerful visit to the Western Wall during the High Holy Days. Placing a hand on the cool, worn stones, surrounded by classmates from a lifetime of religious study, made faith something they could literally touch and breathe, deepening its roots in a profound and personal way.

High School Setbacks and Teamwork

Returning home, an early foray into politics ended in a humiliating defeat in the race for student body president—a loss the narrator now recalls with humor. A more defining high school experience was the basketball court during senior year. As the point guard nicknamed “The General,” they led a tight-knit team on a long winning streak, valuing camaraderie and collective victory over individual stats. This instilled a lifelong philosophy: wanting the ball in their hands during pressure moments, trusting their ability to lead and make plays, and embracing failure as a critical teacher. The core principle of grading oneself against one's own standards, not others', took root here.

College Failures and a Pivotal Redirection

The first semester of college at the University of Rochester delivered a series of blows: a dramatic, poorly received love letter to Lori, getting cut from the basketball team, and failing spectacularly a premed exam. Fearing disappointment, they called their father, who offered relieving permission to abandon the premed track and find their own path. Adrift, with "all my other doors... slammed shut," they were almost immediately recruited to run for a dorm representative seat on the student senate. With nothing to lose, they took the chance.

Discovering a Passion for Politics and Service

Winning that small senate race opened a new door. The narrator discovered they enjoyed the work, especially when they successfully led a campaign to restore funding for club sports, merging their athletic interests with tangible problem-solving. This success led to a bold, victorious run for Student Association President as a freshman—a first in the school’s history. Though they cringe now at their overly earnest campaign rhetoric, they loved the work of governance and collaboration. This "bug" for public service led to a formative internship in Senator Carl Levin’s Washington, D.C. office.

Lessons from the Lowest Rung

In Senator Levin’s office, even while answering phones, the narrator felt "at the white-hot center of everything." They aggressively sought more responsibility, learning the machinery of government from the ground up. A pivotal moment came when briefing Senator Levin on a memo; the Senator’s relentless questioning, even on an issue where his position was firm, taught a lasting lesson about the necessity of thorough preparation and examining all angles before making decisions—a cornerstone of effective leadership.

Reconnecting with Lori and Building a Life

During this D.C. chapter, Lori re-entered their life, moving to the city for a job. After a late-night talk reaffirmed their deep connection, the narrator ended a prior relationship, and he and Lori quickly reunited. Within six weeks, at age twenty-three, they were engaged, moving forward with the certainty of best friends building a life together despite their youth and limited means.

The Proposal and Wedding

The narrator’s plan to propose in Jerusalem was almost derailed by a cold shower and pre-dinner confusion, but culminated in a downpour-soaked "yes" at the Montefiore Windmill. Their engagement continued with a comically early Valentine’s Day celebration, leading to a perfectly imperfect rain-soaked wedding in Pennsylvania. The ceremony, officiated by three rabbis, was marred only by the groom nearly breaking his foot on an overly sturdy glass and a head-on collision with a glass wall during the honeymoon—mishaps they blissfully ignored.

Building a Life in Washington

While the narrator pursued a night law degree at Georgetown (mysteriously accepted despite poor LSAT scores) and Lori earned her master's at GW, they navigated the hectic life of young professionals. Their time in a DC condo was marked by the narrator’s famously deficient handyman skills, including setting up a ladder upside down and futilely attempting plumbing repairs, earning him a sympathetic apology from a hardware store clerk to his wife.

9/11 and the Birth of a Family

The chaos of September 11th found them separated and terrified, with Lori, heavily pregnant, sheltered by a stranger who shared a beloved birthday tradition they later adopted. In the anxious aftermath, the narrator’s over-preparedness led to a closet-destroying water leak. Their nervous energy continued through birthing classes, from which they were twice ejected for uncontrollable laughter. Their daughter Sophia was born weeks later, an event that immediately redefined their understanding of love and purpose.

A Return Home and a Career Pivot

Feeling disconnected from conventional DC career paths and wanting to plant roots, the family moved back to Pennsylvania. While a corporate law job provided stability, a celebration of an insurance company’s legal victory cemented his feeling that this wasn’t his calling. The political opportunity arose when his former boss vacated a congressional seat, triggering a local chain reaction. Despite being a young unknown in a heavily Republican district, he decided to run for the state House of Representatives, seeing it as a chance to serve the community he knew best.

Key Takeaways

• Foundational family moments, from proposal to parenthood, were often wrapped in comedic mishaps and imperfect circumstances, which only strengthened their bonds.
• Professional paths are rarely linear; a feeling of purpose often outweighs conventional success, as seen in the departure from corporate law for local politics.
• Personal history and community ties became central to the narrator’s identity and eventual decision to run for office, framing politics as local service.
• Profound love and commitment, both to family and community, emerged as the unwavering constants through career changes, national tragedy, and new beginnings.

Fundraising and Early Campaign Hurdles

Holding a fundraiser in DC, I raised around twenty-six thousand dollars—a substantial sum that signaled serious intent. Despite friends and colleagues thinking I was crazy for running in a seemingly unwinnable district, I pushed forward. The local Abington Rockledge Democratic Committee used a screening process to choose a candidate, and I was selected over two more experienced opponents, thanks to my work ethic and vision. However, veteran Democrats Marge Sexton and Pat Conroy immediately dampened my excitement by bluntly stating, “You can’t win.”

Embracing Grassroots Outreach

With Republicans blocking me from speaking at events, I took my wife Lori’s advice to find a direct way to connect with voters. I started knocking on doors, eventually covering eighteen thousand homes over several months. Initially, I tried to pitch my views, but I quickly learned that people preferred to be heard. I shifted to asking, “What’s on your mind?” This approach, coupled with my father’s reputation as a trusted pediatrician, built genuine connections. I’d come home exhausted but energized, writing personal notes to everyone I met.

Building Momentum and a Memorable Rally

A poll after Labor Day 2004 showed me down 65-21, but I felt momentum building. Governor Ed Rendell’s endorsement brought crucial funds and a high-profile rally in Abington, featuring celebrities like Danny Glover and Christie Brinkley. Our campaign was shoestring—using a friend’s photo of me with a red, chilled face against an American flag for campaign cards. When my opponent went negative, it backfired because residents had met me personally and appreciated the listening ear.

Election Night and the Joy of Victory

On election night, my sister Rebecca burst into our house to announce I’d won by more than nine points. The victory came from relentless door-knocking, listening, and a small, dedicated team. Notably, Marge Sexton and Pat Conroy, once skeptics, became enthusiastic volunteers and stood with me at my swearing-in.

Adjusting to Legislative Life

As a new state representative, I dove into issues with Governor Rendell as a mentor. Balancing family was tough—I often raced home to be with Lori and our children, Sophia and newborn Jonah, skipping Harrisburg nightlife. I held over a hundred town halls, answering every question, which forged my comfort with public accessibility and accountability.

Clashes with the Old Guard and a Bold Move

Veteran lawmakers ribbed me as a freshman, but one, Rep. Bill Keller, offered cryptic wisdom: “You can’t get there from here.” In 2007, with Democrats holding a thin 102-101 majority and facing defections that could lose us the speakership, I hatched a risky plan. On New Year’s Eve, I called moderate Republican Denny O’Brien and proposed a bipartisan speakership. With rapid negotiations involving Governor Rendell and Democratic leaders, O’Brien agreed, motivated by the chance to advance causes like autism support. On voting day, with Lori and my kids present, I faced tense uncertainty about whether this unprecedented move would work.

A Bold Gambit Pays Off

The tension in the chamber was palpable as the speakership vote began. Republican leader Perzel, confident he had secured two Democratic defectors, was stunned when Democrat leader DeWeese nominated Republican Denny O’Brien instead. Chaos erupted. Perzel rushed to O’Brien, demanding through gritted teeth that he refuse the nomination, but O’Brien held firm. With urging from allies, nearly all Democrats voted for O’Brien, securing his election. The author had the honor of escorting O’Brien to the rostrum and announcing him as Speaker—a stunning, successful political maneuver. A brief, grudging compliment from a defeated Perzel years later underscored the sheer political skill of the play.

Embracing Executive Leadership in Montgomery County

Feeling burnt out by legislative process and drawn closer to home, the author set his sights on becoming a Montgomery County Commissioner—an executive role that would allow him to "get shit done" and be present for his growing family. The challenge was historic: no Democrat had won the top spot since the Civil War. The race was further complicated by the need to run alongside another Democrat to secure a majority, and by the uncomfortable position of potentially unseating his former boss and mentor, Congressman Hoeffel, who was politically vulnerable. After difficult conversations, Hoeffel stepped aside. The author teamed with Democrat Leslie Richards, and they shattered the 150-year Republican streak in 2011, a victory that sparked a broader political shift in Philadelphia's suburbs.

Cleaning House and Building a Team

Taking office, they inherited financial disarray, crumbling infrastructure, and the lingering shadow of corruption. The author’s first priority was assembling a talented, diverse executive team, understanding that good leadership requires surrounding oneself with strong, differing voices. He led from the front, whether by implementing a rigorous zero-based budgeting process that eliminated a $10 million deficit or by riding along with snowplow crews during a major storm to understand and support their work. This hands-on approach built morale and tangible results: a balanced budget, improved credit ratings, and increased investment in key services.

The Power of Unlikely Alliances

A crucial element of success was an unexpected partnership with the third commissioner, Republican Bruce Castor. After a tough campaign, the author reached out, proposing they divide responsibilities based on interest and work together. This agreement led to a remarkably productive four years, with nearly every vote passing 3-0. This bipartisan cooperation drew criticism from their respective parties, but it enabled significant progress on trails, bridges, and human services. The experience was foundational, teaching the author that building coalitions with ideological opponents is essential to effective governance, a principle he carried forward despite an increasingly divisive political climate.

Choosing Purpose Over Prestige

With success in the county, opportunities for higher office emerged. He considered runs for a safe U.S. House seat in 2012 and the U.S. Senate in 2015. Each time, after deep reflection and conversations with his wife Lori and trusted advisors, he declined. Visiting Washington highlighted a slower, more performative legislative process that felt detached from the executive action and daily impact he cherished. When asked directly why he wanted to be a Senator, he couldn't find a compelling personal reason. Instead, he realized his ambition lay in the action-oriented role of Pennsylvania Attorney General—a less traditional but more fitting path that would leverage his executive experience, even if it was outside his comfort zone.

Key Takeaways

• Coalition-Building is Governing: Real progress often requires working with opponents, as demonstrated by the O’Brien speakership coup and the highly effective bipartisan alliance with Commissioner Castor.
• Executive Leadership is Hands-On: Effective management involves diving into the details alongside your team, from budget line items to emergency operations, to fully understand and lead the work.
• Principles Over Party: Withstanding political blowback to find common-ground solutions is a necessary part of real leadership and public service.
• Know Your Path: Career decisions must align with personal purpose and family life, not just prestige or traditional political ladders. Choosing the role where you can have the most direct impact is crucial.

The Primary Challenge: An Unconventional Vision

Entering the race for Attorney General, Josh Shapiro faced a formidable primary opponent in Stephen Zappala Jr., a career prosecutor with deep establishment roots. While Zappala’s strength was his extensive courtroom experience—Shapiro’s most obvious weakness—Shapiro believed the office could be more than just a traditional prosecutorial role. His vision was to transform it into a proactive crusader for people’s rights. Internal polling confirmed his instinct: voters cared less about courtroom experience and more about having a champion. Despite this, the primary was a bruising, "icky" fight focused on his lack of prosecutorial pedigree.

A pivotal moment came when his wife, Lori, suggested he seek an endorsement from President Barack Obama. Initially dismissive and warned by his political team it was a near-impossibility, Shapiro ultimately reached out through a connection, Obama’s former aide Reggie Love. To his surprise, the President agreed, providing a critical boost that helped Shapiro secure the primary victory.

A Foundational Relationship with President Obama

Shapiro reflects on the deep history that made asking for Obama’s endorsement conceivable. Their relationship began in 2006 when a last-minute rally for then-Senator Obama in Shapiro’s district drew an unexpectedly massive crowd. Shapiro was an early supporter of Obama’s 2008 presidential bid, a move that defied the Pennsylvania political establishment backing Hillary Clinton. This loyalty was tested during the controversy over Obama’s pastor, Jeremiah Wright. Shapiro joined Obama on a whistle-stop train tour through Pennsylvania, where a personal conversation about Obama’s commitment to the Jewish community solidified Shapiro’s trust and defense of him.

Their relationship continued into Obama’s presidency, including a memorable impromptu visit to the Oval Office. Years later, after Shapiro delivered a powerful "Real Freedom" speech at a rally, Obama praised him backstage—a moment Shapiro cherishes. This long-standing mutual respect was the foundation for the unprecedented presidential endorsement in the AG primary.

The General Election: Listening and Showing Up

Entering the general election strong, Shapiro observed troubling signs for the Democratic ticket as Donald Trump’s crowds grew. Heeding a warning from a Republican colleague, he focused relentlessly on his own message of protecting people’s rights and deliberately campaigned in communities often ignored by Democrats. He listened more than he talked, absorbing concerns about opioids, scams, education, and healthcare, which directly informed his campaign promises.

This strategy of ubiquitous presence and listening paid off. On Election Night 2016, while Hillary Clinton and the Democratic Senate candidate lost Pennsylvania, Shapiro emerged as the top vote-getter on the entire ballot. Post-election analysis showed his numbers matched Clinton’s in major urban areas, but he significantly outperformed her everywhere else by showing up. He carried the stories of the people he met directly into his agenda as Attorney General-elect.

Key Takeaways

• Redefining Roles: Voters often respond to a broader, more proactive vision for an office beyond its traditional, narrow definition.
• The Power of Relationships: Investing in genuine, long-term political relationships, built on loyalty and shared belief, can yield support in critical moments.
• A Campaign of Presence: Showing up and listening in every community—not just politically favorable ones—is a powerful strategy that builds trust and can defy broader political trends.
• People Over Politics: Centering a campaign on the specific stories and needs of individuals provides a more compelling and resilient platform than partisan rhetoric.

The campaign's core philosophy—listening to forgotten communities, sharing their stories, and channeling their pain into action—became a guiding light. This approach, especially when discussing gun violence in rural areas, meant translating abstract policies into human terms, emphasizing that protecting children could coexist with respecting rights like hunting and self-defense.

A profound personal and professional pivot arrived just days into the new role as Attorney General. As Trump was inaugurated, the anticipated "Muslim ban" moved from bluster to reality, triggering nationwide protests and legal chaos. While political leaders rushed to airports, the author observed Shabbat with family, striving to maintain normalcy for the children amidst the turmoil. This balance extended to coaching a youth basketball game, where outward calm masked intense internal focus—a metaphor for the compartmentalization required in this new life.

Amidst coaching seven-year-olds, the phone buzzed incessantly. A coalition of Democratic attorneys general mobilized, with the author helping organize fifteen states to support Washington's lawsuit against the travel ban. The administration's procedural sloppiness led to an initial victory, but when a revised, more legally sound order was issued, a principled decision followed. Despite personal revulsion toward the policy, the author declined to join a second lawsuit, believing it was technically legal. This underscored a foundational creed: the role was to challenge illegality, not merely to oppose politically. This sometimes meant weathering criticism from the "resistance" while pursuing numerous other valid suits, from healthcare to environmental protections.

Through it all, the compass remained fixed on the law and the people served. Success was measured not by social media praise but by legal verdicts and, more importantly, by consistently showing up for every constituent—Trump supporters and opponents alike. By listening, acting on commitments, and treating all with respect, trust was built across the Commonwealth. The work was about proving, through action, that accountability and care could transcend partisan divides.

Key Takeaways

• Principled Legal Action: Legal challenges must be rooted in illegality, not political opposition, ensuring credibility and focusing energy where it can truly effect change.
• Service Beyond Politics: Earning trust across political lines requires consistently showing up, listening, and delivering results for all constituents, regardless of their votes.
• Anchor in Normalcy: Maintaining personal rituals and family commitments provides stability and perspective amid professional chaos and high-stakes decisions.
• Human-Centered Advocacy: Effective leadership involves translating policy into human stories, ensuring that abstract issues are understood through the lived experiences of those most affected.

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Where We Keep the Light Summary

Chapter III: Your Word Against G-d’s

Overview

The chapter unfolds against the backdrop of a simple family beach tradition, a moment of joy that feels worlds away from the silent, crushing burden carried by the narrator as Pennsylvania's Attorney General. His office is preparing to release a historic grand jury report exposing decades of child sexual abuse and systemic cover-up within the state's Catholic dioceses. The weight of this responsibility—fighting the Church in court to name perpetrators while safeguarding the trust of thousands of victims—is immense and isolating, compounded by strict secrecy rules that wall him off from normal support systems. His saving grace is the dedicated team of lawyers and investigators sharing this "foxhole," as they sift through harrowing testimony and half a million pages of church records that reveal a deliberate system for hiding abuse.

This professional mission is deeply personal, rooted in a long-standing focus on protecting children from abuse, illustrated by a parallel case against a predatory pediatrician. But the scale of the Church's evasion is staggering, exposing an institution that operated above civil law, using its moral authority to shield abusers and silence victims. For the survivors who testified, the ensuing months of official silence felt like another betrayal, feeding a profound distrust of institutions. To combat this, the Attorney General took unorthodox steps: personally persuading a bishop to break ranks and support the report's release, and then gathering survivors for a raw, transformative meeting where she heard firsthand how faith had been weaponized against them. A direct, public letter to Pope Francis, citing his own past words on accountability, applied further pressure.

When the legal battle finally ends and the report is released, the initial feeling is one of profound relief for the victims. The aftermath involves honoring those survivors, some of whom describe a lifelong loneliness, feeling it was "your word against G-d's." The process strains the Attorney General's own faith, creating a complex spiritual push and pull. Reuniting with his family, he voices fears of political backlash, only to be steadied by his wife's reassurance. The chapter closes by reaching back to a lonely protester he passed for years outside the Vatican embassy—a man named John Wojnowski who kept a solitary vigil for fourteen years. Contacting John to acknowledge his courage underscores a central truth: that justice often hinges on the unwavering, often lonely, perseverance of individuals who refuse to let the truth be buried.

The Weight of Two Worlds

The scene opens with a moment of pure, simple family joy—a long-awaited ice cream order at the Salty Dog cafe during an annual beach trip. This tradition stands in stark contrast to the silent, crushing burden the narrator carries. He is the Attorney General of Pennsylvania, and his office is on the brink of releasing a monumental grand jury report detailing decades of sexual abuse of children and systemic cover-ups within the state’s Catholic Church dioceses.

The investigation, spanning six dioceses and involving over 300 priests and thousands of victims, has been emotionally grueling. The office is fighting in the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to release the full 884-page report and name the perpetrators, while the Church fights to keep it sealed. The Attorney General feels the profound weight of the victims' trust and the fear of becoming another institution that fails them.

Operating in Secrecy and Isolation

The role requires absolute secrecy regarding grand jury proceedings, creating a profound sense of isolation. This secrecy is felt especially acutely given the fate of his predecessor, who was convicted for leaking such information. He is walled off from his usual support systems and trusted advisors while grappling with the "degree of evil" documented in the testimony and the half-million pages of internal church records.

His saving grace is his dedicated team—lawyers and investigators like Michelle Henry, Jen Selber, and Dan Dye—with whom he shares the "foxhole." Together, they shoulder the darkness, working tirelessly to uncover the truth. He tries to compartmentalize, leaving the horror at the office to be present for his wife, Lori, and their children, but finds himself periodically withdrawn and consumed by the case.

A Razor's Edge Deadline

As the summer trip to Hilton Head arrives, a deadline looms. The Supreme Court has ordered the report released by August 14. He decides to drive down with his family but must return by the 14th, leaving them at the beach to be in Harrisburg for the release. Watching his carefree kids play as he drives away, he feels the deep conflict between his duty and his family.

A Foundation in Protecting Children

The narrative then shifts to his early days as Attorney General, inheriting numerous investigations. He approached the unfamiliar role of prosecutor by over-preparing, hiring experts, and immersing himself in details. He was particularly drawn to cases involving trauma and abuse of children, a focus rooted in his upbringing and his father’s work as a pediatrician and expert witness in child abuse cases.

His prior work supporting "Mission Kids," a child advocacy center, and streamlining his county's child welfare system as a commissioner demonstrate a long-standing commitment to creating kinder, more effective systems for vulnerable children.

The Case of Dr. Johnnie Barto

This focus is illustrated through the parallel investigation of Dr. Johnnie Barto, a beloved community pediatrician charged with sexually assaulting young patients. Despite initial disbelief and hostility from some community members, the Attorney General’s public appeal for more victims led to over 25 coming forward, revealing assaults that spanned decades. Barto was eventually convicted and sentenced to up to 158 years in prison. The narrator attended the sentencing—the only one he ever made a point to witness in person—deeply affected by the victims’ stories and the betrayal of trust.

Uncovering a System of Evil

Returning to the Church investigation, he describes the moment the team understood its staggering scale and the Church’s systematic process. Upon receiving allegations, dioceses would meticulously document the abuse in memos, only to file them away in "secret archives" as required by Canon Law, deliberately withholding this evidence from law enforcement. This revealed an institution that acted as if it was above civil law, answering only to its own authority.

The review of these archives exposed story after harrowing story of abuse, cover-up, and shattered lives, with many victims struggling with addiction, broken relationships, and suicide. The Church, wielded its immense power and resources to protect itself, weaponizing its moral authority against the very children it harmed.

The Weight of Secrecy and Victims' Distrust

For the victims who had bravely testified, the months of silence that followed their grand jury appearances felt like yet another betrayal. Operating under strict secrecy rules, the investigation could show no outward signs of progress, leaving survivors to fear they had been abandoned or that the church had succeeded in silencing the truth. They would call the lead investigator, asking if the Attorney General’s office had been corrupted, expressing the crushing sentiment: “We did, and nothing happened, the same way nothing has ever happened.” This profound distrust, born from a lifetime of being failed by institutions, fueled the team's relentless drive even as it deepened their personal resolve.

A Fissure in the Church's Defense

Determined to signal progress, the author took an unorthodox step by requesting a private meeting with Erie Bishop Lawrence Persico, who had replaced one of the worst offenders in the cover-up. Against the advice of staff, she flew to Erie and met him at the airport. Appealing to shared religious values of protecting the vulnerable, she persuaded him to publicly support releasing the grand jury report. Bishop Persico agreed to forgo legal challenges, creating a critical crack in the unified front the bishops had presented. His subsequent public statement was the first official acknowledgment that a damning report existed and was nearing release.

A Transformative Gathering with Survivors

To combat the victims’ isolation and distrust, the author invited approximately two dozen survivors to her office. For hours, people of different ages and backgrounds—some meeting for the first time—shared their harrowing stories in a raw, emotional circle. The author heard directly from parents whose son died of an overdose after horrific abuse and from a woman who was told by her abuser that “G-d said she didn’t matter.” This face-to-face confrontation with the human cost of the abuse and the weaponization of faith hardened her commitment. The meeting, while emotionally devastating, unified the survivors and the prosecution team with a shared, burning purpose.

An Unlikely Appeal to the Pope

Following a seemingly offhand suggestion from his wife, Lori, the author recalled that Pope Francis had met with abuse survivors during his 2015 visit to Philadelphia. Researching his remarks from that day, she found a powerful transcript where the Pope condemned the secrecy of abuse and promised accountability. Seizing on this coincidence, she wrote a direct letter to Pope Francis, detailing the cover-up in Pennsylvania and pleading with him to call on the local church to stop blocking the report’s release. The letter was sent through diplomatic channels and also released publicly, applying new pressure on the church and signaling to victims that every possible avenue was being pursued.

The Report Breaks Through

After a protracted legal battle that reached the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, the final order permitting the report’s release was granted. The immediate, overwhelming feeling was one of relief—primarily for the victims who would finally have a public reckoning. The author could finally share the burden with his wife, Lori, after a year and a half of solitary anguish. In preparing for the public release, the team decided the grand jury’s own stark, factual language was more powerful than any added commentary. The report, and the victims’ truths within it, would speak for themselves.

Aftermath with Survivors Following the press conference, the author and his team met with the survivors who had traveled to the Capitol. He sought to honor their bravery and acknowledge their loss of faith, sharing that he too had grappled with his beliefs during this ordeal. The author emphasizes the lasting bonds formed, noting that he stays in touch with the victims, joining their celebrations via FaceTime and calling them annually on August 14. One victim, abused as a child and unable to have children of his own, described the justice process as "one of the proudest things I've ever done." Another survivor, abused from nineteen months old, expressed relief at no longer having to live a double life, capturing the isolation with the phrase, "It's very lonely. Especially when it's your word against G-d's."

Personal Faith and Reflection During this period, the author found himself attending synagogue less often, not due to any negative experience but from a complex push and pull in his spiritual life. He needed faith to lean on yet questioned how God could permit such suffering. This internal conflict underscored the profound emotional weight of advocating for the victims, as he sought to reassure them that institutions could sometimes be forces for good.

Family Reunion and Wife's Insight Craving connection, the author flew to Hilton Head to reunite with his family. His children's sandy embrace and a long beach walk with his wife, Lori, helped calm his nerves. He confessed his fear that the report would end his political career, believing backlash from Pennsylvania's Catholic community would make him a one-term Attorney General. Lori countered, asserting he wouldn't lose support, especially among Catholics. Her insight highlighted the comfort of family and the unexpected reassurance that comes from loved ones during times of doubt.

The Lonely Protester: John Wojnowski The narrative turns to a memory from the author's time in Washington, D.C., where he daily passed a man protesting outside the Vatican embassy with signs about clergy abuse. Years later, after the report's release, Lori reminded him of this protester, coinciding with the author's own thoughts about him. Determined to connect, the author searched online and discovered an article titled "The Passion of John Wojnowski," detailing how John had stood vigil for fourteen years after being molested by a priest in Italy. The article revealed his quiet dedication, with signs pleading for accountability from the Pope.

Reaching Out and Acknowledging Courage The author printed the article and directed his staff to contact John. Through his son, they arranged a call where the author expressed belief in John's cause and thanked him for his perseverance. John, amazed that someone who had driven past him for years now acknowledged his truth, found a measure of peace. This interaction served as a poignant reminder that justice often hinges on the unwavering courage of individuals who refuse to be silenced.

Key Takeaways

• Pursuing justice can lead to personal spiritual struggles, but solidarity with survivors and family support provides essential strength.
• Long-term advocates, like John Wojnowski, play a critical role in keeping truths alive, even when ignored by the wider world.
• Leadership in uncharted territory involves isolation and risk, but conviction in doing what is right can yield profound validation and impact.
• Authentic connections with those who have endured years of advocacy can bring closure and reinforce the importance of perseverance in the face of injustice.

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Where We Keep the Light Summary

Chapter IV: And Then I Walked into a Sheetz

Overview

What was supposed to be a relaxing family vacation in Quebec was anything but, with a shuttered resort town, disappointing hikes, and a cloud of professional crisis looming. That crisis was a healthcare standoff in Pennsylvania, where the imminent expiration of a consent decree threatened to cut off hundreds of thousands of people with Highmark insurance from their UPMC doctors. Viewing UPMC as a nonprofit charitable institution failing its duty to the public, the Attorney General's office was locked in tense, unproductive negotiations. The abstract corporate battle became urgently real during a stop at a Sheetz convenience store, where a clerk pleaded for help for her cancer-stricken husband, putting a human face on the impending disaster.

That determination to protect ordinary people mirrored another major fight already underway—the case against Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc., which resulted in the largest criminal prevailing wage theft case in U.S. history. That victory, which secured over $20 million in stolen back wages for workers, proved the power of focusing relentlessly on making victims whole. Energized by the Sheetz encounter and this model, the strategy shifted to confronting UPMC CEO Jeffrey Romoff directly. After building public pressure with patient stories, a one-on-one meeting was arranged, not to negotiate immediately, but to understand the man behind the corporate title.

Amidst this high-stakes maneuvering, the family vacation found its unlikely rhythm. A disastrous hike was redeemed by the slobbery, hysterical joy of feeding carrots to elk and bison at Parc Omega. A soaking rain in Montreal turned into a laughing fit in cheap ponchos. They discovered that their "worst trip ever" was somehow producing their most legendary memories. All the while, final negotiations with Romoff were conducted from a minivan caked in animal slobber, with Lori navigating Canadian roads and kids spilling snacks in the back—a perfect illustration of parenting amidst a professional high-wire act.

By the trip's end, persistence paid off. Romoff agreed to a ten-year deal between the former adversaries, ensuring continued access to care. This breakthrough was forged through sustained personal dialogue and an unwavering focus on the people who would be harmed, inspired by that brief conversation at Sheetz. The chapter reflects that such compromises are possible when we engage with decency and respect, even with opponents. The lasting impact is measured in the gratitude of those who kept their doctors or recovered lost wages—a reminder that the messy intersection of work, family, and crisis is precisely where meaningful change and cherished memories are forged.

The planned family vacation to Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, in June 2019 was far from the idyllic escape envisioned. With much of the resort town closed for the off-season, limited dining options, a hike ruined by swarming flies and a son’s badly bitten neck, the trip felt like a struggle. The frustration was compounded by the weight of an unresolved crisis back in Pennsylvania, which followed the author onto the balcony where he spent hours on the phone.

The Pittsburgh Health Care Standoff

At the core of the crisis was an impending deadline. A state-brokered consent decree between two healthcare giants, UPMC and Highmark, was set to expire in July 2019. UPMC, led by CEO Jeffrey Romoff, threatened to stop accepting Highmark insurance, which would sever hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians from their doctors and specialists. The author’s office saw UPMC as the "bad actor," using its market power to coerce patients and cripple a competitor, with little regard for the public. Despite private meetings, negotiations were unproductive, bogged down by large legal teams and posturing.

The author’s team, however, had a powerful lever: UPMC’s status as a nonprofit charitable institution. This status, which saved it millions in taxes, came with a legal obligation to act for the public good. In February 2019, the Attorney General’s office filed a petition arguing that refusing to contract with a major insurer like Highmark violated that duty. The legal action aimed to force a new agreement, but a tense standoff persisted as the deadline loomed.

A Human Face at Sheetz

The abstract conflict became urgently personal during a stop at a Sheetz convenience store. A clerk recognized the author and pleaded for help, explaining that her husband, a cancer patient with Highmark insurance, would lose access to his treatment team at UPMC if no deal was reached. This direct, human appeal cut through the legal and corporate complexities, crystallizing the real-world consequences of the corporate dispute. It ignited a determined anger and a resolve not to fail the people who would be harmed.

The Hawbaker Case: A Pattern of Exploitation

This resolve mirrored the approach in another major case already underway. Inspired by a desire to protect workers, the author had established a labor division in the office. That division investigated tips about Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc., a major construction contractor, and uncovered a massive, long-running fraud. The company was systematically stealing from its workers’ wages and retirement funds. It would overcharge for health benefits and divert pension money intended for union workers' retirement accounts to instead fund 401(k)s for all employees, including executives.

Meeting the affected workers—like pipe layer Agnes Huber, with her damaged hands, or superintendent Tim Lewis, who discovered his pension was missing—put human faces on the crime. In April 2021, the office brought the largest criminal prevailing wage theft case in U.S. history against Hawbaker. The author insisted on a resolution that made every worker whole, directing restitution to them instead of a fine to the state. Just before Christmas that year, over a thousand workers received more than $20 million in stolen back wages.

Confronting Romoff

Energized by the Sheetz encounter and the successful model of the Hawbaker fight, the author shifted strategy on the UPMC standoff. He decided to bypass the unproductive legal teams and meet directly with Jeffrey Romoff. After applying public pressure by highlighting patient stories, like that of 9/11 first responder Cheryl Sorek, Romoff agreed to a one-on-one meeting at a Philadelphia airport conference room.

Their first meeting lasted hours but barely touched on healthcare. Instead, the author focused on understanding Romoff as a person—his background, motivations, and views. While this seemed like a lack of progress to some, including the author’s wife Lori as they prepared for the troubled Mont-Tremblant trip, it was a deliberate tactic to build rapport and insight before tackling the high-stakes negotiation.

Parc Omega: An Unlikely Family Highlight

With hiking plans ruined by bugs, the Shapiro family's salvation came from a local tip about Parc Omega, a drive-through wildlife park. The kids were initially unimpressed, complaining during the drive in their messy minivan. Upon arrival, they purchased giant bags of carrots and slowly entered the park, where elk, bison, and other animals immediately approached, drooling and poking their heads into the vehicle. The children's attitudes shifted dramatically, transforming whines into hysterical laughter and declarations that this was the "coolest thing ever." In that chaotic, slobber-filled moment, the family found pure, unbridled joy—a memory that would become legendary for them, even though the van was left so disgustingly filthy they later traded it in.

Montreal's Rain-Soaked Adventures

The journey continued to Montreal, where a sudden torrential downpour soaked the family. They scrambled to buy Canadian flag ponchos from a street vendor, laughing uncontrollably as they explored the city in their damp, patriotic gear. They sampled crepes, which everyone loved, and poutine, which nobody did, before enjoying a memorable dinner at Da Emma, a subterranean Italian restaurant housed in a former women's prison. Reflecting on the trip home, they realized they had just experienced immense fun on what they dubbed "the worst trip we have ever taken."

Negotiations on the Road

Throughout these adventures, Shapiro was constantly on the phone with UPMC's Jeff Romoff, hammering out the final details of the Highmark agreement. These negotiations were a delicate balancing act—like playing Jenga and Tetris simultaneously with high stakes. He managed this while driving a minivan caked in elk slobber and carrot remnants, navigating unfamiliar Canadian roads with Lori whispering directions, and tending to four kids in the back who were trying their best to be quiet but still creating typical road-trip chaos, like spilling Cheez-Its. It was a vivid illustration of parenting amidst a professional high-wire act.

Securing a Decade-Long Agreement

By the trip's end, Romoff agreed to Shapiro's core terms: a ten-year deal with only Highmark and UPMC as signatories, effectively transitioning the two giants from adversaries to allies in providing healthcare. Highmark's CEO, David Holmberg, was an easy sell, and the three men shared their first decent phone call in a long time. This breakthrough stemmed from sustained one-on-one negotiation, public pressure, and Shapiro's unwavering focus on ensuring fair access to doctors, inspired by the woman he'd met in Sheetz.

The Lasting Impact of the Fight

Shapiro reflects that such compromises are possible when we remember that most people are fundamentally decent and want to do the right thing. In today's climate of political nihilism, these conversations are rarer, but by making space for respectful dialogue with those we disagree with, common ground can be found. Years later, people still approach him with gratitude—for keeping their doctors in Pittsburgh, for recovering lost retirement funds, or for feeling heard as victims. He hugs them, reaffirms his commitment to service, and returns to work, driven by these connections.

Key Takeaways

• Joy Emerges Unpredictably: The most cherished family memories often come from messy, unplanned detours, where shared laughter overrides initial reluctance.
• Persistence Pays Off in Dialogue: Complex, high-stakes agreements require patient, personal negotiation and a willingness to stay at the table through discomfort.
• Human Stories Fuel Action: Remembering the real people affected—like the woman in Sheetz—provides crucial motivation and moral clarity during difficult fights.
• Common Ground is Achievable: By engaging adversaries with respect and an open mind, transformative compromises that serve the greater good are possible, even in deeply entrenched conflicts.
• Embrace the Beautiful Chaos: The messy intersection of work, family, and life's surprises is not something to be traded away; it's where meaning and memory are forged.

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